{
  "id": 10495646,
  "title": "Death is certain but few of us are really prepared",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/death-is-certain-but-few-of-us-are-really-prepared",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-28T17:40:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Medical Xpress",
    "slug": "medical-xpress",
    "url": "https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-09-death.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New research from La Trobe University in Australia reveals that many Australians lack the necessary preparations for death and end-of-life care. A survey of over 3,000 people found that 48% have not drafted a will, 54% are unsure how to access palliative care, 58% do not know about end-of-life paperwork, and almost 63% do not know what steps to take when someone dies at home. The study, known as the 2026 National Death Literacy and Readiness Report, indicates that while many Australians have experience with end-of-life care, the majority have not fully organized their own arrangements.\n\nThe researchers have developed an online tool called READYConnect to assist individuals in understanding death literacy and taking appropriate action. READYConnect features a digital quiz to evaluate a person's knowledge of death-related matters and provides personalized insights to help them discuss end-of-life issues with family members and caregivers. Additionally, the tool links users to reputable resources for further assistance.\n\nDr. Kerrie Noonan, acting head of La Trobe's Public Health Palliative Care Unit and director of the Death Literacy Institute, emphasizes that not discussing end-of-life wishes with family members is a common issue in Australia, with about two-thirds of people failing to do so. She stresses that understanding available options is crucial for better planning and taking meaningful actions, such as finalizing wills, appointing enduring guardians, or simply having conversations about end-of-life matters with loved ones.\n\nThe importance of death literacy is highlighted by Holly Smith, a senior project officer at La Trobe University, who notes that Australia faces a significant demographic shift in the near future due to an aging population. Strengthening the nation's capacity to support one another in end-of-life care should be a national priority. READYConnect aims to address this by helping individuals assess their knowledge and readiness to plan for aging, dying, death, and grief.\n\nPalliative Care Australia's national projects and operations director, Chelsea Menchin, believes that READYConnect has the potential to enhance Australia's approach to end-of-life care by identifying gaps in community knowledge and preparedness. By providing this information, health and community services can better support individuals and families in planning for the end of life. The READYConnect tool was created based on data from 5,000 surveys conducted over eight years across all adult age groups and every Australian state and territory.",
  "summary": "Death may well come for us all, but new research has found that few Australians are prepared for it or know how to help family members at the end of their lives.",
  "key_points": [
    "48% of Australians haven't drafted a will",
    "58% unaware of end-of-life paperwork steps",
    "READYConnect tool helps assess death literacy"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}